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Dimensions
TBC
Medium
Bronze with Bronze Patina
Edition Number
/15
Sponsored By
Sponsor Name
Description
This bronze sculpture captures the whimsical essence of an unexpected friendship between two critically endangered species. The piece features a Western chimpanzee and a koala—both teetering on the edge of extinction—riding together on a classic Vespa scooter. The chimp, with an infectious grin, confidently grips the handlebars, embodying curiosity, intelligence, and resilience. The koala, clutching the chimp’s waist with gentle determination, gazes out with wide-eyed wonder, symbolizing innocence and vulnerability. Behind them, a spare seat beckons the public to jump on and join the journey—a joyful invitation to become part of the movement for conservation and awareness.
While the sculpture’s playful humor instantly charms viewers, its message runs deep. It shines a light on the devastating reality that both the Western chimpanzee and the koala are critically endangered due to habitat loss, deforestation, and the escalating impacts of climate change. By pairing these unlikely companions, the artwork celebrates unity, cooperation, and hope—reminding us that all species are connected, and that saving one helps preserve the balance of the whole.
Through this endearing scene, Gillie and Marc invite us to ride along in the spirit of compassion and action—to protect these extraordinary creatures before they are lost forever.
Sculpture Title
The Chimp and Koala Race on the Vespa
Animal Names
Name goes here
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
About the Western Chimpanzee and the Eastern Koala
The Western Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) teeters on the edge of extinction, with fewer than 35,000 individuals left in the wild. Once thriving across West Africa, they now survive in fragmented forests scattered through Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire. Their decline—over 80% in just a few decades—is driven by deforestation, hunting, and the destruction of their homes for agriculture and mining. These intelligent, emotional beings share over 98% of their DNA with humans, forming deep social bonds and using tools with remarkable skill. Yet every year, their forests grow quieter. Protecting the Western Chimpanzee means preserving not only a species but a mirror of our own humanity and the fragile beauty of the natural world.
The Eastern Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), once a familiar sight in the eucalyptus forests of eastern Australia, is now sliding toward extinction. Fewer than 80,000 remain, and in some regions, numbers have dropped by more than 50% in just two decades. Their decline is driven by habitat loss from deforestation, urban expansion, bushfires, and prolonged droughts intensified by climate change. Koalas rely almost entirely on eucalyptus leaves for food and shelter, yet millions of their trees are cleared each year, leaving them starving, dehydrated, and vulnerable to disease—especially chlamydia, which can cause blindness and infertility. These gentle marsupials sleep up to 18 hours a day, conserving energy to digest their toxic diet, but their peaceful existence is being shattered by human activity. Without urgent action to restore forests and protect corridors of wild habitat, the soft calls of the Eastern Koala could fall silent, taking with them one of Australia’s most beloved and iconic species.
How to Help
Inspired by animals that Gillie and Marc met on their travels, we invite the public to discover and interact with these beautiful creatures up close and personal – this allows audiences to connect, take photographs and share their favourite species with friends and family.
With more exposure comes more awareness and builds on the love we already have for animals around the world. With love comes a greater sense of urgency to create a change and save all endangered animals.
The sculpture will be aligned with the hashtag #GillieandMarc and #LoveTheLast to raise unparalleled awareness about the sculpture’s cause across the globe.
Give Back to Love The Last Wildlife Fund
With every edition purchased, Gillie and Marc will donate a percentage of proceeds to support Love The Last Wildlife Fund.
Love The Last Wildlife Fund is a global conservation organization devoted to saving 21 of the most critically endangered animals on Earth. Motivated by a deep love for nature and wildlife, the Fund focuses on protecting species that stand on the very edge of extinction through science-driven conservation, habitat restoration, and community collaboration.
Its initiatives include anti-poaching efforts, rescue and rehabilitation programs, and sustainable development projects that help local communities coexist with wildlife. By combining compassion with action, Love The Last Wildlife Fund works to ensure that these 21 remarkable species are not lost forever, preserving the planet’s natural heritage for future generations.
Artwork Features
Gillie and Marc love working in bronze for many reasons. Bronze is a very hardy material and will last forever. As experts in coloring bronze, Gillie and Marc enjoy experimenting with their sculptures, adding a splash of color to brighten the work, making it even more unique. > Read more
